Well, the store only had the LG in stock but considering it's a 6 string it's already large enough. When I played it, it sounded and felt great so that's what I got. I'd like to try an SKB but I'm very pleased with my LG so I'm not going to worry myself over it.
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Roscoe basses
- Thread starter supernaut
- Start date
Well, the store only had the LG in stock but considering it's a 6 string it's already large enough. When I played it, it sounded and felt great so that's what I got. I'd like to try an SKB but I'm very pleased with my LG so I'm not going to worry myself over it.
Hi all, the day I discovered Keith Roscoe's basses was the first day I've been truly excited by any bass since picking up my first Alembic in the late 70's. It was a myrtle body LG-3005 with a purpleheart fingerboard, which I now own. Also I have a fretless LG-3005 with a redwood top which is an absolutely awesome instrument too. And Keith is currently building me two more, one fretted and one fretless.
I second everything everyone said about the B string, it's the best in the industry bar none (except for maybe the F bass BN5 with the reversed headstock, which is comparable).
About the neck dive, the LG comes in several different flavors of body wood, one of which is ash which is incredibly light, then there's the Spanich Cedar which is very nice and a little bit heavier, then there's the mahogany which is considerably heavier, then the myrtle which is very heavy. I've never had any problems with the Spanish Cedar, my SC fretless is perfectly balanced both physically and in terms of the strings. I've never tried an ash Roscoe, so I can't speak to that, but for any of the other woods I wouldn't worry about it.
The myrtle is an awesome body wood, it has a rich deep resonant tone kinda like an Alembic on the low end, but the high end character is completely different. The Bartolini preamp has a huge high end output, I usually end up dialing back my amp's treble control to the 9 o'clock position but when I do that it sounds absolutely awesome. Sustain up the ying-yang. VERY powerful slap tone, and you can dial up anything from a "plink" to a deep resonant "thump". That preamp is very nice, it's amazingly flexible.
I would say the string spacing is "medium", not as wide as an Alembic or F bass but not as narrow as a (cough) Fender. Someone said "the slap sound is not Fendery but still effective", and I can't for the life of me imagine why anyone would say something like that. Any Roscoe bass is so superior to anything Fender has ever made "ever" that it's like comparing diamonds and zircon. The Fender's a pretender, and Roscoe's the real thing!
By the way, I got the diamondwood fingerboard on my fretless, it's definitely different but once you get used to it (after about a week or so) you'll be very pleased with it. If you're not a vintage snob and you're open minded, you're going to get a real treat when you check this out.
The short story: I LOVE my Roscoe!!!
I second everything everyone said about the B string, it's the best in the industry bar none (except for maybe the F bass BN5 with the reversed headstock, which is comparable).
About the neck dive, the LG comes in several different flavors of body wood, one of which is ash which is incredibly light, then there's the Spanich Cedar which is very nice and a little bit heavier, then there's the mahogany which is considerably heavier, then the myrtle which is very heavy. I've never had any problems with the Spanish Cedar, my SC fretless is perfectly balanced both physically and in terms of the strings. I've never tried an ash Roscoe, so I can't speak to that, but for any of the other woods I wouldn't worry about it.
The myrtle is an awesome body wood, it has a rich deep resonant tone kinda like an Alembic on the low end, but the high end character is completely different. The Bartolini preamp has a huge high end output, I usually end up dialing back my amp's treble control to the 9 o'clock position but when I do that it sounds absolutely awesome. Sustain up the ying-yang. VERY powerful slap tone, and you can dial up anything from a "plink" to a deep resonant "thump". That preamp is very nice, it's amazingly flexible.
I would say the string spacing is "medium", not as wide as an Alembic or F bass but not as narrow as a (cough) Fender. Someone said "the slap sound is not Fendery but still effective", and I can't for the life of me imagine why anyone would say something like that. Any Roscoe bass is so superior to anything Fender has ever made "ever" that it's like comparing diamonds and zircon. The Fender's a pretender, and Roscoe's the real thing!
By the way, I got the diamondwood fingerboard on my fretless, it's definitely different but once you get used to it (after about a week or so) you'll be very pleased with it. If you're not a vintage snob and you're open minded, you're going to get a real treat when you check this out.
The short story: I LOVE my Roscoe!!!
The Roscoe basses do currently have the HipShot bridge that allows string spacing adjustment. I adjust the G, D, & A at .75 (19mm) center to center and the A, E, & B at .68-.70 (17-17.8mm) center to center and that works fine for me. Your G string would be fairly close to the edge of the FB if you set all srings at .75 (19mm)center to center spacing.
As for the neck dive mentioned in another reply, I have an LG 3005 and a SKB 3005 and while neck dive may be a problem on 6 or 7 string Roscoes it definetely isn't a problem on 5 string Roscoes.
I did readjust the spacing on an older Roscoe that I had, and I did have the strings pretty dang close to the edge of the fretboard. The thing is, it is kind of comfortable to slap on, but I wouldn't be able to go any narrower. Ideally i would prefer everything to have more comfortable breathing room.
I had a SKB 6 and an Acacia 6 around the same time, and the Acacia had a much wider neck, and it was just so much more comfortable to play. But, I guess these are personl preferences as well. Some people might find the tighter spacing way more comfortable for crazy slap stuff.
I had a SKB 6 and an Acacia 6 around the same time, and the Acacia had a much wider neck, and it was just so much more comfortable to play. But, I guess these are personl preferences as well. Some people might find the tighter spacing way more comfortable for crazy slap stuff.
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Wow, that is nice! I love the unlined fretboard, is that diamondwood?
And what kind of case is that? Looks like a mix between gigbag and case?
Wow, that is nice! I love the unlined fretboard, is that diamondwood?
And what kind of case is that? Looks like a mix between gigbag and case?
adrian garcia
In Memoriam
- Apr 9, 2001
- 5,110
- 17
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Nordy Basses, Schroeder Cabs, Gallien Krueger Amps
nonsqtr,
I was the person who said the Roscoe slap sound was not Fendery but still effective- keeping in mind that we all have different opinions and the right to them, i will add that I am a Roscoe dealer and i have owned several, so i am pretty familiar with then- when i said what i did, i said it because it has been my experience that most players want the "Marcus Miller" slap sound- I have yet to hear a Roscoe that does it..Most cats want that super J sound. Im sorry you seem to be very anti-Fender. The truth is engineers and soundmen love them- and im confused - do you like your F bass? because if you do, i happen to think F bass is an evolution of the Fender Jazz on steriods sound- you can even ask George Furlnetto- a great deal oif his success is taking that J sound and elevating it to a new level- i guess you think Marcus Millers sound sucks?
at any rate- i do agree that Roscoes are great basses as i said before- but i stand by my statement- it is not a Fendery slap sound- much more modern and tight...but what do i know ? i have only played about 50 of them!
I was the person who said the Roscoe slap sound was not Fendery but still effective- keeping in mind that we all have different opinions and the right to them, i will add that I am a Roscoe dealer and i have owned several, so i am pretty familiar with then- when i said what i did, i said it because it has been my experience that most players want the "Marcus Miller" slap sound- I have yet to hear a Roscoe that does it..Most cats want that super J sound. Im sorry you seem to be very anti-Fender. The truth is engineers and soundmen love them- and im confused - do you like your F bass? because if you do, i happen to think F bass is an evolution of the Fender Jazz on steriods sound- you can even ask George Furlnetto- a great deal oif his success is taking that J sound and elevating it to a new level- i guess you think Marcus Millers sound sucks?
at any rate- i do agree that Roscoes are great basses as i said before- but i stand by my statement- it is not a Fendery slap sound- much more modern and tight...but what do i know ? i have only played about 50 of them!
adrian garcia
In Memoriam
- Apr 9, 2001
- 5,110
- 17
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Nordy Basses, Schroeder Cabs, Gallien Krueger Amps
I'll take the liberty of answering this since i sold John the bass:
That is the black diamondwood fingerboard- super sweet for fretless..
and that is the Roscoe case that they all come in- a deluxe soft sided case - extremely sweet!!- A.
Hi again, okay I dig the evolutionary approach to the "sound of a bass". Granted that Fender was the first big success in that space, and their basses are historically associated with the classic sounds that so many of us know and love (myself included). It's hard to explain my viewpoint in a nutshell, but it has to do with me wanting to get away from an "ordinary" sound. I look for basses that are flexible that way, and can come up with the "extraordinary" sounds when they're needed. Fenders just can't do that. F basses can though, I own four of them at the moment and my one BN5 gets more play time (live and in the studio) than all my other 27 basses put together.
Yes I dig Marcus's sound. However, I will note that most of his material is somewhat synthetic, he uses a lot of toys (including his EBS compressor that he helped to put on the map, IMO it's one of the better compressors for bass, but it does generate a characteristic sound that's not exactly "natural"). Sometimes it's hard to tell how much of his sound is due to the bass and how much of it is due to the toys. But that's a nit. I love Marcus, I think he's a great bass player, and a great guy too.
Now, let's talk about "slapping" for a minute. I have a custom Alembic 5 string that's probably my favorite bass for slapping. It doesn't create anything resmebling a Fender sound, not even close. Also it's the world's heaviest bass so it only gets used when I'm sitting down in the studio. But it has a slap sound that can't be rivaled by any other bass, when it's played correctly it actually sounds like someone's getting "slapped on the butt"! I'm a slap happy player, and a slapaholic, and I love the whole concept of leading with the left hand. So if we're talking about Roscoes (which we are), I would say they have an excellent slap sound, it's just "different". It's not the prototypical J-bass slap sound, but then neither is the Alembic. But IMO they both sound very distinctive, and people stand up and take notice when I do a cover tune that's "supposed" to have a J-bass sound but doesn't. Most of the time the feedback I've gotten from people is that this subtle nuance in the music (and it is "subtle" when you put it into the context of an entire band and an entire song), is an ear-catcher. It makes people pay attention to the band, which is what we want!
So that's kinda where I'm coming from in this space, I didn't mean to say that Fender suck, certainly not. All I was saying is that there's more to slap than just a J-bass sound. That particular sound just happens to be associated with "slap" in peoples' minds for historical reasons, and I'm the kinda guy that likes to explore new frontiers.
And you're right Adrian, my Roscoe doesn't get the J-bass sound either. But that's not what I bought it for (in other words, if I want a Fender sound, I should probably go get a Fender
You know, this bass playing thing can be a real addiction. I'm forever in search of the "perfect bass" that "does it all". Haven't found one yet (in 30 years of playing), but I keep looking...
Edit: oh yeah, and what I was trying to say in the Roscoe vs. Fender comment I made was mainly in relation to the workmanship, Keith is so meticulous and he does such an absolutely wonderful job when it comes to the woodworking, the finish, and etc etc, that it can't be compared to any of the Fender production jobs. We're talking apples and oranges, in terms of the way they're made, the way they're treated while they're made, and the precision with which the manufacturing process is addressed. That was more the gist of the comment. As we speak, Keith is sending one of my basses across the Atlantic to get LED's put along the side of the neck. Would Fender do that for you? Even through the custom shop? I think not. At least not for anything resembling a reasonable price. I think very highly of Keith's guitars, and also he's a super nice guy and very knowledgeable and very helpful.
And once again, I LOVE my Roscoes!
Yes I dig Marcus's sound. However, I will note that most of his material is somewhat synthetic, he uses a lot of toys (including his EBS compressor that he helped to put on the map, IMO it's one of the better compressors for bass, but it does generate a characteristic sound that's not exactly "natural"). Sometimes it's hard to tell how much of his sound is due to the bass and how much of it is due to the toys. But that's a nit. I love Marcus, I think he's a great bass player, and a great guy too.
Now, let's talk about "slapping" for a minute. I have a custom Alembic 5 string that's probably my favorite bass for slapping. It doesn't create anything resmebling a Fender sound, not even close. Also it's the world's heaviest bass so it only gets used when I'm sitting down in the studio. But it has a slap sound that can't be rivaled by any other bass, when it's played correctly it actually sounds like someone's getting "slapped on the butt"! I'm a slap happy player, and a slapaholic, and I love the whole concept of leading with the left hand. So if we're talking about Roscoes (which we are), I would say they have an excellent slap sound, it's just "different". It's not the prototypical J-bass slap sound, but then neither is the Alembic. But IMO they both sound very distinctive, and people stand up and take notice when I do a cover tune that's "supposed" to have a J-bass sound but doesn't. Most of the time the feedback I've gotten from people is that this subtle nuance in the music (and it is "subtle" when you put it into the context of an entire band and an entire song), is an ear-catcher. It makes people pay attention to the band, which is what we want!
So that's kinda where I'm coming from in this space, I didn't mean to say that Fender suck, certainly not. All I was saying is that there's more to slap than just a J-bass sound. That particular sound just happens to be associated with "slap" in peoples' minds for historical reasons, and I'm the kinda guy that likes to explore new frontiers.
And you're right Adrian, my Roscoe doesn't get the J-bass sound either. But that's not what I bought it for (in other words, if I want a Fender sound, I should probably go get a Fender
You know, this bass playing thing can be a real addiction. I'm forever in search of the "perfect bass" that "does it all". Haven't found one yet (in 30 years of playing), but I keep looking...
Edit: oh yeah, and what I was trying to say in the Roscoe vs. Fender comment I made was mainly in relation to the workmanship, Keith is so meticulous and he does such an absolutely wonderful job when it comes to the woodworking, the finish, and etc etc, that it can't be compared to any of the Fender production jobs. We're talking apples and oranges, in terms of the way they're made, the way they're treated while they're made, and the precision with which the manufacturing process is addressed. That was more the gist of the comment. As we speak, Keith is sending one of my basses across the Atlantic to get LED's put along the side of the neck. Would Fender do that for you? Even through the custom shop? I think not. At least not for anything resembling a reasonable price. I think very highly of Keith's guitars, and also he's a super nice guy and very knowledgeable and very helpful.
And once again, I LOVE my Roscoes!
adrian garcia
In Memoriam
- Apr 9, 2001
- 5,110
- 17
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Nordy Basses, Schroeder Cabs, Gallien Krueger Amps
good enbough for me- i also never said the Roscoe slap sound sucked- just different-
for salp and everything else- I have also settled on F bass- i get everything i need from mine- Fender or no Fender
for salp and everything else- I have also settled on F bass- i get everything i need from mine- Fender or no Fender
How low can you set up the action without buzzing?
I play an action so low you wouldn't believe it.
Is thi possible with the roscoe?
I read a review on BassGear magazine (by bassplayer) and they said that the construction was not good, lots of high spots and uneven frets.
any comments about this?
thanks
I play an action so low you wouldn't believe it.
Is thi possible with the roscoe?
I read a review on BassGear magazine (by bassplayer) and they said that the construction was not good, lots of high spots and uneven frets.
any comments about this?
thanks
How long does it take for you to get your bass from the moment you order it?
Do you guys recommend to buy it directly or from a dealer?
I guess I could get a used one for about $1600-$1800.
I only have money for one bass so waiting months to recieve my bass is not cool. I play professionally at least twice a week.
any advice?
thanks guys.
Do you guys recommend to buy it directly or from a dealer?
I guess I could get a used one for about $1600-$1800.
I only have money for one bass so waiting months to recieve my bass is not cool. I play professionally at least twice a week.
any advice?
thanks guys.
Last I heard it was taking about 18 weeks from the day of the order. Keith does have some basses in stock, you might like to check his web site or give him a call and ask what's available "now".
Yes it's true you can get a used Roscoe for less, I've seen them going from anywhere between 1200 and two grand. Including this one which is currently listed:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2560119771&category=4713
If it were me, I'd try to be patient. There's nothing like the feeling of having your dream bass and playing it too.
I believe that Keith is requesting that all orders be placed through his dealers, however if you don't happen to have a dealer near you I'm sure he'd be willing to accommodate you!
Yes it's true you can get a used Roscoe for less, I've seen them going from anywhere between 1200 and two grand. Including this one which is currently listed:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2560119771&category=4713
If it were me, I'd try to be patient. There's nothing like the feeling of having your dream bass and playing it too.
I believe that Keith is requesting that all orders be placed through his dealers, however if you don't happen to have a dealer near you I'm sure he'd be willing to accommodate you!
As an eBay Associate, TalkBass may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
Cap, as mentioned by nonsqtr Keith does have a fair amount of basses in stock which you can check on his Web site. He doesn't have any pics of them but he has a description of all of them.
Buying a used one is the way to go if you don't mind it, they are going for a very reasonable price and that way if you don't like it for whatever reason, you won't lose your shorts on it if you sell it. I doubt very much that you would be disapointed with a Roscoe though.
Buy it through a dealer, you will get charged full retail if you buy it direct from Roscoe. There are plenty of dealers on line that that you can buy from such as: Access Bass, Bass Central, Bass Northwest, SuperBass.net and the list goes on. Most businesses have an inspection period so you can check the bass out and if you are not satisfied, you can return it so just make sure that whoever you buy the bass from has an inspection period.
Go for it, you won't be dissatisfied.
http://community.webshots.com/user/pistoleroace
Buying a used one is the way to go if you don't mind it, they are going for a very reasonable price and that way if you don't like it for whatever reason, you won't lose your shorts on it if you sell it. I doubt very much that you would be disapointed with a Roscoe though.
Buy it through a dealer, you will get charged full retail if you buy it direct from Roscoe. There are plenty of dealers on line that that you can buy from such as: Access Bass, Bass Central, Bass Northwest, SuperBass.net and the list goes on. Most businesses have an inspection period so you can check the bass out and if you are not satisfied, you can return it so just make sure that whoever you buy the bass from has an inspection period.
Go for it, you won't be dissatisfied.
http://community.webshots.com/user/pistoleroace
Capalito,
I'm a Roscoe dealer and the turnaround time is very reasonable right now. Depending on whether you want to start from scratch or pick from a body that is already in progress, you could have a bass in as little as 6-8 weeks or so..maybe even less is all of the plants are in allignment!
I'm a Roscoe dealer and the turnaround time is very reasonable right now. Depending on whether you want to start from scratch or pick from a body that is already in progress, you could have a bass in as little as 6-8 weeks or so..maybe even less is all of the plants are in allignment!
Depends on what you want. Sometimes waiting for EXACTLY what you want is worth the wait, and prioritzing until it can be complete becomes necessary. That's obvious and all, but also the difference between a used item that will work, and the bass that was built for you.
Thanks Taustin! I really love that bass. And thank YOU Adrian for answering the tough questions.
And you know what? I don't consider diamondwood something you have to get used to. It delivers the sound that you envision a fretless should have. For me it was instant!!
Good point Joe. I've picked up "bad" Zons, "bad" Foderas", etc. There are VERY few builders that build EVERY bass perfectly. Everyone has a bad day!
One thing I liked about dealing with Keith -- He told me if I absolutely didn't like the bass, he would fix anything on the instrument. If it was something in the bass that could not be fixed he was willing to swap out for any bass on his website. For me, that was the deal closer. I love working with a builder who wants my satisfaction.
Originally posted by Zon4John
Good point Joe. I've picked up "bad" Zons, "bad" Foderas", etc. There are VERY few builders that build EVERY bass perfectly. Everyone has a bad day!
I think Keith did every luthier who can read a huge favor (unfortunately for him) by sending that particular bass in for the shootout. Either send in your A-game product or just keep it home... you never know when they'll actually post a hard-hitting review.
I've never seen a Roscoe that resembled what BP mag reviewed. They've all been excellent. I've owned an LG-3005 and an SKB-3007. Didn't care for the slap sound on the LG at all, OTOH the SKB was cool.
I'm on the other side of the fence new vs. used... I've ordered new basses after picking up used models that impressed me. Not that a new one won't blow you away but regardless of the builder check the return/satisfaction policy first.
One thing I liked about dealing with Keith -- He told me if I absolutely didn't like the bass, he would fix anything on the instrument. If it was something in the bass that could not be fixed he was willing to swap out for any bass on his website. For me, that was the deal closer. I love working with a builder who wants my satisfaction.
Suppose you find that you just don't like it, period? This is not a Roscoe specific question but custom bass in general
